Ace Your Pennsylvania Permit Test: 15 Questions You'll Likely See
The first step to getting behind the wheel in Pennsylvania is passing the official Knowledge Test. This 18-question multiple-choice exam is designed to ensure you understand the state's traffic laws and safety rules before you start practicing. To pass, you must answer at least 15 questions correctly. [9]
All the questions are taken directly from the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. To help you study and build your confidence, we’ve created a list of 15 practice questions that cover the types of topics you're guaranteed to encounter on the real test.
Permit Test Practice Questions
1. For a driver under 18, how many hours of supervised driving are required before taking the road test? a) 40 hours b) 50 hours c) 65 hours d) 75 hours
Answer: c) 65 hours. Explanation: Pennsylvania's GDL law requires all permit holders under 18 to complete at least 65 hours of adult-supervised skill building. This must include 10 hours of nighttime driving and 5 hours of driving in bad weather. [3, 7]
2. A flashing red light at an intersection means you must: a) Slow down and proceed with caution. b) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe. c) Stop and wait for the light to turn green. d) Yield to all traffic before proceeding.
Answer: b) Stop completely, then proceed when it is safe. Explanation: A flashing red light should be treated exactly the same as a stop sign. You must come to a complete stop, check for crossing traffic and pedestrians, and then go when the way is clear.
3. What is the nighttime driving curfew for a driver with a Junior License? a) 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. b) 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. c) Midnight to 6 a.m. d) There is no curfew.
Answer: b) 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Explanation: Drivers with a Junior License may not drive between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless they are driving for employment or volunteer service and are carrying proper documentation. [6, 13]
4. When parking your vehicle facing downhill on a street with a curb, you should turn your front wheels: a) Straight ahead. b) Towards the curb. c) Away from the curb. d) It doesn't matter.
Answer: b) Towards the curb. Explanation: Turning your wheels toward the curb (to the right) ensures that if your vehicle's brakes were to fail, it would roll into the curb and stop, preventing it from rolling into traffic.
5. This road sign (an orange diamond with a person holding a flag) means: a) Pedestrian crossing ahead. b) School zone ahead. c) Flagger controlling traffic in a work zone ahead. d) Playground nearby.
Answer: c) Flagger controlling traffic in a work zone ahead. Explanation: Orange signs always signify a work zone. This specific symbol indicates that a flagger is ahead directing traffic. You must slow down, be alert, and be prepared to stop.
6. For the first six months after receiving a Junior License, how many non-family members under 18 can a driver transport? a) Zero b) One c) Two d) Three
Answer: b) One. Explanation: This is a key passenger restriction designed to limit distractions for new drivers. For the first six months, only one passenger under 18 who is not an immediate family member is allowed, unless a parent or guardian is in the car. [7, 15]
7. In Pennsylvania, you must use your headlights when you cannot see people or vehicles for what distance? a) 500 feet b) 750 feet c) 1,000 feet d) 1,500 feet
Answer: c) 1,000 feet. Explanation: The law requires your headlights to be on when you cannot see clearly for 1,000 feet ahead. They must also be used between sunset and sunrise and anytime you are using your windshield wipers.
8. If you are a driver under 18 and you accumulate six or more points on your record, your license will be suspended for: a) 30 days b) 60 days c) 90 days d) 120 days
Answer: c) 90 days. Explanation: For a first offense, accumulating six or more points or being convicted of driving 26 mph or more over the speed limit will result in a 90-day suspension for a junior driver. [2, 7]
9. A solid yellow line next to a broken yellow line means: a) All traffic can pass. b) No traffic can pass. c) Traffic on the side with the broken line may pass. d) Traffic on the side with the solid line may pass.
Answer: c) Traffic on the side with the broken line may pass. Explanation: The line closest to your lane dictates the rule. If the line on your side is broken, you may pass when safe. If it's solid, you may not pass.
10. What is the minimum age to apply for a learner's permit in Pennsylvania? a) 15 b) 15 and a half c) 16 d) 17
Answer: c) 16. Explanation: You must be at least 16 years old to apply for a learner's permit in Pennsylvania. [2, 10]
11. This sign (a white rectangle with a red circle and a white horizontal line inside) means: a) Do not enter. b) Stop ahead. c) Yield. d) Road closed.
Answer: a) Do not enter. Explanation: This regulatory sign is posted at the beginning of one-way streets and ramps to prevent you from entering and driving against traffic.
12. When you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching with its lights and siren on, you must: a) Speed up to get out of the way. b) Stop immediately in your lane. c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. d) Continue driving at a slower speed.
Answer: c) Pull over to the right edge of the road and stop. Explanation: The "Steer Clear" law requires you to yield the right-of-way by pulling over to the right side of the road and stopping completely until the emergency vehicle has passed.
13. In Pennsylvania, the law requires you to use your turn signals at least how far in advance of a turn? a) At least 50 feet if driving under 35 mph. b) At least 100 feet if driving under 35 mph. c) At least 200 feet at any speed. d) At least 300 feet if driving over 35 mph.
Answer: b) At least 100 feet if driving under 35 mph. Explanation: The PA Driver's Manual states you should signal at least 100 feet before your turn if you are driving slower than 35 mph, and at least 300 feet before your turn if you are driving 35 mph or faster.
14. What does a five-sided sign shaped like a schoolhouse indicate? a) You are entering a library zone. b) You are near a school or a school crossing. c) There is a playground ahead. d) A school bus stop is ahead.
Answer: b) You are near a school or a school crossing. Explanation: The pentagon-shaped sign is used exclusively for school zones and school crossing warnings. When you see this sign, slow down and watch for children.
15. If your junior license automatically converts to a senior license when you turn 18, the curfew and passenger restrictions are: a) Still in effect for another 6 months. b) Lifted. c) Still in effect until you turn 21. d) Lifted only if you take a special course.
Answer: b) Lifted. Explanation: Once a junior license holder turns 18, their license automatically becomes a full, unrestricted senior license, and the GDL restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers no longer apply. [6]
How to Study: Use these questions as a starting point. The absolute best way to prepare is to thoroughly read the Pennsylvania Driver's Manual. Focus on chapters covering signs, signals, rules of the road, and junior license restrictions. Good luck!
